To manage a client's expectations with an impossible project timeline, follow these strategies: 1. **Communicate Openly**: Discuss the feasibility and potential risks of the timeline. 2. **Plan in Detail**: Outline realistic timelines and critical path activities. 3. **Offer Alternatives**: Suggest phased delivery or prioritize key aspects. 4. **Assess Resources**: Evaluate required resources and discuss additional costs. 5. **Provide Regular Updates**: Keep the client informed with progress updates. 6. **Document Everything**: Record all communications and agreements. 7. **Set Realistic Milestones**: Break the project into smaller, achievable milestones. These steps help build trust and work towards a more realistic timeline.

Navigating tight deadlines with assertive clients requires a blend of transparency and empathy. Start by communicating concerns (including all psychological hazards) early, offering a realistic alternative timeline that prioritises quality and is sustainable. Break the project into manageable phases with achievable milestones, ensuring everyone stays aligned. Educate your client on the process, subtly reinforcing that while speed is important, the value we deliver by balancing healthy duress with psychological safety is non-negotiable from outset. By prioritising human-centered approaches, we balance urgency with integrity — fostering trust and long-term success in a collaboratively conscious approach. #ClientManagement #humanbeforeSpeed

When a client sets unrealistic deadlines, I aim for an open conversation to discuss my concerns. I present data from previous projects to provide context for the necessary timelines. I break the project into smaller phases, allowing the client to see progress through clear milestones. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of quality. Rushing the process can lead to rework and waste. The goal is to find a balance between deadlines and quality, ensuring satisfactory results for everyone.

Start with a clear conversation in a pre-start meeting. Walk them through the programme of works and explain why certain parts of the project take the time they do. Talk through how certain jobs depend on others being finished first, or how specialist materials and contractors need proper lead times to keep things running smoothly. Show them the importance of doing things right, rather than rushing through and compromising on quality. It’s really about making sure everyone understands the process and expectations from the start, so there are no surprises down the road. That way, the client feels informed and reassured, and you can work together towards a successful project.